·Keep engine running and doors locked, leave room to pull away if car ahead of you

·Have your card in hand and prepare transaction ahead of time to minimize time at machine

·Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car nearby

·Never count cash at the machine or in public

·Don’t leave receipt behind

·If followed, drive to police station or crowded, well-lit place

·Urban myth; entering PIN backwards when under duress alerts police (FTC mandated to do cost analysis, technology exists, but could cause real risk to victim if they fumble trying to remember the code backwards)

·If victimized at ATM, try to allow the bank camera to capture an image of the suspect

·If you’re confronted by an assailant, minimize your risk and COMPLY

·Closely monitor bank accounts

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“Catfish” scheme

·“Catfish”- used to describe someone who has created a fake social media profile to deceive someone

·Typically on Facebook or Twitter

·May have been scammed or bullied themselves, thrive on drama

·Typically done to create a fantasy life, rather than to defraud anyone financially

·Be suspicious if contacted by a stranger to engage in a relationship

·Be suspicious of claims of glamorous profession, circumstances

·Often claim to have traumatic injury or illness as an excuse not to be able to meet

·How much do they know about their “illness”?(Legitimate sufferers are usually very knowledgeable)

·Be suspicious if they can’t readily provide a photo of themselves, or avoid video chat

·Be suspicious if they ask for money, too much personal information, any account information

·Research:how recently was their Facebook/Twitter account activated?

·How many friends/followers do they have?

·Have they tagged photos of friends?

·If they do send a photo, have they told you not to post it?

·These and other scammers target the vulnerable, those who want to believe in the goodness in others (like the people on street corners holding “help needed” signs), elderly, recently widowed

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10 Safety Tips Every Child Should Know

1.Do not get into or go near a car to talk to people you don’t know.

·Run opposite way vehicle is facing

·Try to write down license plate number

2.Adults who need help should not be asking a child for help, they should ask other adults.

·Police should be in uniform with marked car

3.Quickly get away from anyone who tries to take you somewhere.Yell or scream

·Grab onto bike, trash can

·If grabbed by the coat, backpack, slip out of it and run

4.Always ask permission to leave the yard, or to go to someone else’s home.

·Try to use buddy system

5.Never hitchhike or accept a ride from anyone you don’t know.

·Never accept food or drink from anyone you don’t know

6.Adults should not ask you to keep a special secret.Tell them “no” and tell a parent or teacher.

·Suspects may threaten to harm family

7.No one should touch you on parts of the body covered by a bathing suit.

·Including parents, relatives

8.Say “no” to anyone who tries to take you somewhere against your will, or makes you feel uncomfortable in any way.